World War II memorial in DC

[AirForceRocks]

If you have loved ones that served in WW II, I HIGHLY recommend that you do whatever you possibly can to get them here to DC to see their memorial. I was there on Friday, and it is, in a word, magnificent.

 

[grinningghost]

My late Grandfather fought at Normandy and it would be wonderful to go and see it for him. I hope to get there someday soon.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I'll be up in DC over Labor Day, the WWII memorial is one of my planned stops.

 

[katerkat]

Just want to throw in a recommendation for the D-Day memorial in Bedford, VA, as well. Very moving.

 

[onecoolmama]

Nice. I'll have to go. Both of my Gandparents were there. I know there was some discussion about where it was placed on the mall; but I plan to get down there soon.

Do you get right off at the Simthsoian Metro Stop? Is it right on the mall?

 

[AirForceRocks]

When you go, just be prepared...there were a number of personal items left at the areas commemorating the battles and at the state/territory pillars. Pictures, letters, flowers, memorial cards, etc. There were also many, many WW II vets there, wearing their war medals.

onecoolmama, I got off at the Smithsonian stop, and took the Independence Avenue exit. Then I walked straight down the mall, past the Washington Monument to the memorial.

 

[onecoolmama]

Do strollers fit or should I leave my kids at home? (Ages 1 and 3)

 

[Jolie C]

I'm going with my grandfather in October. It will be a great trip, but very sad for him, I'm sure.

 

[monkeyboy]

I am hoping to get to DC soon and see it

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I definitely want to get to this sometime! I've been to the Holocaust Museum a few times, it takes hours to get through it, if you read everything. It was very interesting to learn about how the Marines got coined the term "devil dogs".

I've been to the Viet Nam Mem. to.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by onecoolmama
Do strollers fit or should I leave my kids at home? (Ages 1 and 3)

Strollers are no problem at all - it is large, and a very open area.

 

[monkeyboy]

Originally posted by minniepumpernickel
It was very interesting to learn about how the Marines got coined the term "devil dogs"..

In World War I the Marine Corps distinguished itself on the battlefields of France as the 4th Marine Brigade earned the title of "Devil Dogs" for heroic action during 1918 at Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Michiel, Blanc Mont, and in the final Meuse-Argonne offensive. Marine aviation, which dates from 1912, also played a part in the war effort, as Marine pilots flew day bomber missions over France and Belgium. More than 30,000 Marines had served in France and more than a third were killed or wounded in six months of intense fighting

http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/HD/Historical/Customes_Traditions/Brief_History_USMC.htm

 

[catsrule]

Thank You, Brenda. My late father was in the Battle of the Bulge and went to many reunions each year. He would have loved to have seen this.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

We will be arriving Friday and plan to see this over the weekend.

We will be arriving at Ronald Reagan Airport on Reagan's day of mourning and staying near Dupont Circle. I am hoping things go smoothly. We will arrive after the service though (between 2-3). Any advice or insight??

We are looking forward to seeing DC!

 

[snoopy]

I haven't been over there yet, but DH has, he also said it was very moving.

 

[Jeafl]

I am so looking forward to our trip to DC next month. The WWII memorial is definitely on our list of must-sees. My husband is a huge WWII buff and has dozens of books on it, including the entire Time-Life series. He is really looking forward to it. We did watch quite a bit of the dedication on TV over Memorial weekend and we were quite impressed with how stunning it is.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

I hope to get there also, my late father served in WWII in 69 Inf.Div. with the 777th tank Battalion and he would have loved to have seen it.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Originally posted by monkeyboy
http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/HD/Historical/Customes_Traditions/Brief_History_USMC.htm

Maybe I was thinking of the term "Leathernecks"? I'll have to ask dad, lol!

I just think it's so interesting to visit a lot of these relatively new historical museums.

 

[Snowysmom]

I would love to take my father there but unfortunately he is not able to go far from home now. I am hoping to go with my family next summer. It looks like it is beautiful and a wonderful way to remember the WW II vets. MY late FIL would have loved it.

 

[debster812]

All the coverage I have seen on TV, makes the memorial look absolutely breathtaking. I very much would like to see it in person. I am thinking a year or two, when DS is old enough to deal with an entire week in DC and see ALL the sights.

Thanks for the live and in person review AirForceRocks.

Debbie